Oenanthe aquatica

Oenanthe aquatica, commonly known as water dropwort, is a perennial herb found in wetland habitats. While its roots possess unique medicinal properties in traditional practices, the plant is highly toxic if ingested. Understanding its botanical characteristics and chemical potency is essential for distinguishing its potential uses from its extreme danger.

  • Scientific name: Oenanthe aquatica
  • Family: Apiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically categorized under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Apiales, it is classified under the family Apiaceae and is identified by the genus Oenanthe.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Apiales WCVP
Family Apiaceae WCVP
Genus Oenanthe WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions in Northern Europe. Its presence can be documented within the borders of Denmark and Finland. Furthermore, the species is found throughout the landscapes of Great Britain and Ireland. The geographical range also extends into the territories of Norway. Together, these locations define the primary northern habitats for Oenanthe aquatica.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP

Chemicals

Oenanthe aquatica has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include coumarins, flavonoids, glycosides.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
coumarins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
glycosides 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Oenanthe aquatica has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antiviral, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆